Over the weekend, more than 8,000 students graduated from the University of Virginia. Among them were numerous student workers from UVA Library, who spent many hours of their academic careers manning the circulation desks, scanning items from the vault, training patrons in audio and visual equipment, and helping to run the Makerspace.
We spoke to four of them just before they graduated about what they’ll miss about their jobs, their favorite books and films, and advice for future users of UVA Library.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Damara Exalto
- What was your job title, and what were your responsibilities? I was a Circulation Assistant at the front desk of Clemons (fourth floor). I mainly checked out books or equipment to the students and patrons, as well as shelved the books. And I was always [up] for a little chat with whomever would come up to the desk.
- What was your favorite part of working for UVA Library? My favorite part was the people, from the students and patrons to the staff at Clemons. It truly felt like a little community, and I have made great friends here. I also liked helping people out, getting around the Library and helping with using the printers (and oh boy, those printers were really complicated sometimes).
- What advice would you have for new community members about using the Library? USE EVERYTHING!!!! Be curious and go explore the Library. UVA Library has so many fun things, from very interesting books to online services as well as a Makerspace in Shannon and the Robertson Media Center in Clemons.
- What is one of your favorite books or movies in our collections? My favorite book of all time (and that I always recommend to people) is “The Darkroom of Damocles” or “De donkere Kamer van Damokles” by Willem Frederik Hermans. I am Dutch and this book is written by a famous Dutch writer, and UVA has it both in Dutch and English :).This book plays with the perception of reality. It is about an adolescent in World War II and he is part of the Allies — or is he? I still am unable to answer that question.
- What are your plans after graduation? I am very lucky and I am able to stay in the States on a one-year work visa. I will be working with the Keswick School as a residential instructor, using my M.Ed. in educational psychology. Clemons has truly been a big part of my UVA experience, and I am grateful I got to work at the Library.
Jennifer Truong
- Job? Student Lead Technologist. I consult on projects and teach equipment usage but also make bigger judgment calls, like being conscientious of how smoothly the Makerspace operates. I still train most of the hires and volunteers in addition to writing the newsletter.
- Favorite part of working for the Library? Helping curious people make their projects happen. It’s wonderful to see people realize what they’re capable of making.
- Advice for new Library users? The resources are there for you; don’t hesitate to use them to learn everything and anything you want!
- Favorite book or movie? “Manchester by the Sea.” The sardonic humor was witty and so well-integrated with the themes of the movie.
- Post-graduation plans? Working at the Makerspace for a bit longer, and then a less cool job.
Sara Bastianelli
- Job? I worked as a Digital Media Consultant at the Robertson Media Center, and I was the student manager for their Sound on Grounds podcasting program. While working at the RMC, I assisted patrons with their digital media projects and equipment. I primarily specialized in audio work and supported the creation of student-produced albums and podcasts from our Audio Studio.
- Favorite part of working for UVA Library? Being able to talk to people from across the University about the projects that they are working on. When it comes to Sound on Grounds, students, professors, and staff from all corners of the University are bringing their academic expertise to the audio studio. While helping them with the software and equipment, I got the opportunity to learn a little bit about a whole swath of topics from George Washington to the portrayal of Black women in media to the dark matter radio telescope.
- Advice for new users of the Library? The Library has SO MUCH to offer! Everyone at UVA should be taking advantage of the free, state-of-the-art equipment here. We have books, cameras, microphones, DVDs, and so much more! You could try out a new hobby or skill without having to meet the financial barrier to entry.
- Favorite books or movies in our collection? I recently started checking out a whole bunch of the DVDs! I am trying to save money by getting rid of streaming services, and there are so many movies and TV shows available to me at the Library. Some of my favorite finds have been “Severance,” “A Real Pain,” and “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”
- Plans after graduation? After graduating I am staying in Charlottesville! Right now, I am filling in for a full-time position at the Library as the Operations Manager at the Robertson Media Center. I am also working at the Gingko bookshop on the Corner throughout the next year.
Alex Jones
- Job? I was a Digital Media Consultant, responsible for managing the Robertson Media Center (RMC) desk and supervising the Digital Media Lab (DML). You’d typically find me scanning items from our vault for patrons, helping them select the right equipment for their projects, and assisting them in navigating our creative spaces and studios. I also conducted regular trainings and certifications on high-end cameras and lighting kits several times a week.
- Favorite part of working for the Library? Definitely the one-on-one trainings. I loved being able to teach patrons how to use cameras and lights the way I wish I had learned when I first started. Seeing patrons come back and tell me how things went as they drop everything back off to me is incredibly rewarding, making me feel like I made a genuine impact.
- Advice for new Library users? The UVA Library website is an excellent resource to narrow down opportunities you would be interested in learning more about. And once you have a place to start, you can rest assured that the wonderful staff you’ll find behind our desks will help you find what you need. When I first came to Grounds, I’d try to do everything myself, because I didn't want to be a bother. But every Library worker I know sincerely loves to help; it couldn’t make us happier knowing we made your life better than before you interacted with us. It’s always a win-win in my book!
- Post-graduation plans? I will continue my studies at UVA starting early August in the M.S. in Commerce program, where I will study marketing and management in the class of 2027. I love videography and working with people, and I am incredibly eager to refine my skills in that department for one more year. I will continue working at the RMC as a grad student for the duration of the program, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to chat or need any training!